Veteran Playback Singer S. Janaki Passes Away at 88

Janaki died at a private hospital in Mysuru, Karnataka, where she had been receiving treatment for age-related ailments. Her family confirmed the death, and last rites are expected to be held with full state honors.

Born on April 23, 1938, in Pallapatla village in Andhra Pradesh, Janaki began her playback singing career in the 1950s. Over her six-decade career, she recorded more than 48,000 songs in over 20 languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi.

She was particularly celebrated for her work in South Indian cinema, collaborating with composers such as Ilaiyaraaja and M.S. Viswanathan. Her renditions of devotional and folk songs also earned her a vast following.

Janaki received numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan in 2013 and the Padma Shri in 1984. She also won three National Film Awards for Best Female Playback Singer, for songs in Kannada, Malayalam, and Telugu films.

Her last public appearance was at a felicitation event in 2016, shortly before she retired from singing. Tributes poured in from across the film industry, with actors and musicians remembering her as a versatile and emotive singer whose voice defined an era.